2019 Acura RDX

2019 Acura RDX Highlights

The 2019 Acura RDX is as new as possible, with a new powertrain, reintroduced Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), exterior styling, interior design, and fresh tech. Performance became a more prominent focus for the updated compact luxury crossover this year, typified by the new 2019 Acura RDX A-Spec package.

Key Details

• Compact luxury crossover SUV body style
• Two-row seating for up to five passengers
• 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine
• Ten-speed automatic transmission
• Available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD)
• All-new exterior design with a more aggressive and sporty appearance
• Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system
• New A-Spec package for a sportier aesthetic and driving experience
• Redesigned interior with inspiration from Acura's NSX supercar
• New infotainment system with touchpad interface
• Enhanced safety features and driver assistance technologies

Benefits

• Powerful and efficient turbocharged engine
• Spacious and versatile interior
• Advanced SH-AWD system for improved handling and traction
• A comprehensive suite of standard safety features
• Distinctive styling with the new design language
• Available sport-themed A-Spec package

Learn More: Here Are The Acura RDX Years To Avoid

2019 Acura RDX Overview

Performance

The 2019 Acura RDX offers one option:

2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine

• 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm
• 280 lb-ft of torque from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm
• Ten-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters

This turbo-four replaces the previous generation's V6, producing as much power and more torque with improved efficiency. 2019 Acura RDX 0-60 times are respectable, generally falling in the mid-six second range.

The ten-speed automatic transmission offers smoother shifts and better fuel economy than the outgoing six-speed unit, though the system may occasionally hunt for the right gear. Paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel allow for manual control when desired.

2019 also marks the return of Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. This advanced AWD system can send up to 70% of the engine's torque to the rear wheels and then distribute up to 100% to either the left or right rear wheel.

2019 Acura RDX towing capacity:

• 1,500 pounds when properly equipped.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the RDX a top five-star overall safety rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2019 RDX a Top Safety Pick+, the group’s highest designation.

Standard safety features across all 2019 Acura RDX models include:

• Advanced compatibility engineering (ACE) body structure
• Anti-lock brakes
• Multiple airbags
• Vehicle stability assist (VSA) with traction control
• Multi-angle rearview camera

The RDX also comes standard with AcuraWatch safety and driver-assistive technologies, which include:

• Collision mitigation braking system (CMBS)
• Adaptive cruise control (ACC) with low-speed follow
• Lane keep assist
• Road departure mitigation (RDM)

Additional available safety technologies include:

• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic monitor
• Surround-view camera system

The available Head-Up Display projects crucial information onto the windshield, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road while accessing essential vehicle data.

Driving

The 2019 Acura RDX differs from its predecessors without changing its core values. Comfort and technology are still a focus, but the suspension, steering, and chassis are much more playful and communicative than before. Advance trims get active dampers for an ultra-refined ride.

Don’t worry about having two fewer cylinders; the new turbocharged engine makes more torque than the outgoing V6, and turbo lag is minimal.

The ten-speed automatic transmission generally operates smoothly, offering quick and seamless shifts. The paddle shifters provide reasonable control for drivers who prefer a more engaging driving experience.

Buyers who want never-ending traction need the SH-AWD system, which improves traction in poor weather conditions and enhances cornering performance by actively distributing torque to the outside rear wheel during turns.

The A-Spec trim adds a sport-tuned suspension and larger wheels, which enhance the RDX's sporty character but may result in a slightly firmer ride.

Interior

The 2019 Acura RDX's interior showcases a significant upgrade in design and quality, drawing inspiration from Acura's NSX supercar.

Key interior features include:

• Twelve-way power-adjustable front seats
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Panoramic Moonroof
• Available Milano leather seating surfaces
• Available sixteen-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation
• 60/40 split easy fold-down rear seatback

The RDX's interior is notably spacious for its class. The front seats have the headroom and legroom tall drivers yearn for, with good support for long drives. The rear seats are also generous, accommodating adult passengers with plenty of knee and headroom.

With 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, the RDX offers more cargo space than many competitors. It also features underfloor storage in the cargo area.

Users will face a learning curve with the new True Touchpad Interface, which controls the 10.2-inch infotainment display. While innovative, some users may find this system takes time to master. The A-Spec trim adds sporty interior touches, including a thicker steering wheel, metal sport pedals, and unique seat designs with Ultrasuede inserts.

Technology

The new True Touchpad Interface infotainment system is the centerpiece of the RDX's tech offerings.

Key technology features include:

• 10.2-inch HD Dual-Content Center Display
• True Touchpad Interface
• Available Acura/ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System
• Apple CarPlay compatibility
• Available head-up display (HUD)
• AcuraLink Connected Services

The True Touchpad Interface uses absolute positioning, meaning each point on the touchpad corresponds to a specific point on the screen. This design attempts to make inputs intuitive, but a touchscreen would actually be intuitive.

The available Acura/ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System, developed with Grammy-winning producer Elliot Scheiner, offers exceptional sound quality with sixteen strategically placed speakers.

Fuel Economy

The 2019 Acura RDX offers competitive fuel economy ratings for its class, benefiting from its new turbocharged engine and ten-speed automatic transmission. EPA fuel economy estimates are as follows:

2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine:

• FWD (mpg): 22 city / 28 highway / 24 combined
• AWD (mpg): 21 city / 27 highway / 23 combined
• A-Spec AWD (mpg): 21 city / 26 highway / 23 combined

2019 Acura RDX Reviews

Consumer reviews on Kelley Blue Book rated the 2019 Acura RDX 3.9 out of 5. Owners praise the RDX for its styling, comfort, and performance.

Reasons to Buy It

• The new turbo four-cylinder matches the outgoing V6 for power and torque
• Reintroduced SH-AWD system improves grip and handling
• Generally improved tech, especially safety features
• More interior space than most rivals
• Distinctive styling with the new design language
• Competitive fuel economy

Problems

• True Touchpad Interface may have a steep learning curve for some users
• Some rivals offer more powerful engine options
• No hybrid option is available
• Limited cargo space compared to some competitors in the class

Explore: Which Used Year Model of the Acura RDX Is The Best Value?

CoPilot's Take

The 2019 RDX is new through and through. Surprisingly, despite the wholesale improvements, 2019 Acura RDX prices began only a couple thousand dollars more than the 2018 models.

One of the RDX's most vital points is its new turbocharged engine, which has the power to make the RDX genuinely exciting. The return of the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system is also welcome, enhancing the vehicle's handling characteristics and all-weather capability.

Buyers who waited for the 2019 models are greeted by a spacious, well-designed cabin with high-quality materials. The models also offer many standard features, including the comprehensive AcuraWatch safety suite.

The 2019 RDX's fuel economy is competitive for its class, and the minimal efficiency penalty for opting for all-wheel drive is a plus. The A-Spec trim offers a sporty alternative for those seeking a more dynamic look and feel, though it comes with a slight hit to fuel economy.

Despite the improvements, drawbacks do exist. While innovative, the new True Touchpad Interface is far less intuitive than a touchscreen and will take time to learn. Additionally, while the RDX's performance is strong, some competitors offer more powerful engine options or hybrid variants.

2019 Acura RDX FAQs

Is 2019 a good year for Acura RDX?

Yes, 2019 is generally considered a good year for the Acura RDX. It features a complete redesign with significant styling, performance, and technology improvements. The 2019 model addresses many criticisms of previous generations and introduces several new features.

Is the 2019 Acura RDX worth the money?

The 2019 Acura RDX offers good value for money in the luxury compact SUV segment. It provides a comprehensive performance package, luxury features, and advanced technology, often cheaper than some European competitors. The standard AcuraWatch suite of safety features adds to its value proposition.

Is the 2019 Acura RDX a reliable car?

Acura, a luxury division of Honda, has a reputation for building dependable vehicles. However, as this was the first year of a new generation, there were some reports of minor issues, particularly with the infotainment system. J.D. Power gave the 2019 Acura RDX a 66/100 score for reliability.

How many miles will a 2019 Acura RDX last?

A 2019 Acura RDX can last 200,000 miles or more with proper maintenance. Many owners report their RDXs running well past the 150,000-mile mark.

Check Out: Which Years Of Used Acura RDXs Are Most Reliable?